Walsall chip in for John Hartson Foundation - with PICTURES

Former Baggies striker Hartson was diagnosed with testicular cancer back in 2009 with the disease going on to spread to his lungs and brain.

But the Welshman defied the odds to beat the condition and has since raised more than £700,000 to help men who find themselves in a similar position.

Yesterday he was joined by a host of Saddlers stars including boss Jon Whitney and players Jason McCarthy, Scott Laird, George Dobson, Liam Kinsella and Eoughan O'Connell at a fundraiser at Walsall Golf Club.

Former players Michael Ricketts and Martin O'Connor also attended as well as ex-managers Kenny Hibbert and Kenny Mower.

"It's great to be able to raise awareness of John's charity," Whitney said.

"There has been a really good turnout. We've got players from the first-team squad. Ian Sharps (coach) is playing but Neil Cutler bottled it.

"It's a great cause and something we really need to highlight and it's fantastic to see John and Stan Petrov because they have both done so much for charity."

Former Walsall midfielder Wayne Thomas – who is now commercial manager at the Banks's Stadium – said he hopes the golf day will become an annual event.

"It was our inaugural golf day and hopefully it was the first of many," he said.

"When I was a player we had a great golf day and it was something that when I came back I wanted to get going again.

"Teams play with a current player or manager. We had 18 ex or current players yesterday plus John Hartson and Stan Petrov.

"The players have been been fully supportive of it.

"And you can't underestimate how much the commercial partners and fans are looking forward to having three or four hours with a player.

"Walsall Football Club has a great relationship with Walsall Golf Club because we sponsor the disabled golf events they run - so it was great to hold this there as well."